AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

"AVID is not just another program… At its heart, AVID is a philosophy

Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they rise to the challenge." - AVID.org

AVID:

Teaches skills and behaviors for academic success

Provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships

Creates a positive peer group for students

Develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination

Who is Served by AVID?

AVID targets the average student who has the potential to succeed in a rigorous academic program if givenboth opportunity and support. It is not a remedial program for failing students, nor is it a program for gifted students who are underperforming. Candidates for the AVID program are identified by counselors, teachers,parents and/or students themselves according to the following criteria:

Ability-academic potential to succeed in college preparatory courses

GPA of 2.0-3.5 in regular classes

Average standardized test scores

Enrollment in Algebra (or higher) and a foreign language (HS)

Is willing to take a least one AP and/or Honors class before graduation

Desire and Determination

Desire to attend college

Willingness to undertake demanding preparation for college

Good attendance record

Appropriate classroom behavior and few or no discipline referrals

Willingness to give up another elective in order to reach their goals

Willing to take summer school

How are AVID students picked for the program?

Students who are defined as middle students; based on GPA's and test scores

Students who are the first in their family to attend college

Economically disadvantaged

Historically underrepresented in 4-year colleges

**You might be interviewed by an AVID teacher at freshman registration in the Independence cafeteria. Below are some sample questions you might have to answer.

Please be ready to answer any of the following questions at registration. Keep in mind that AVID is an honor and only those who take the class seriously will be considered.

Do you struggle in school? Why or why not?

How do you react if you have difficulty with a subject or teacher?

Does someone pressure you for individual determination for achievement, or do you have your own determination? How? Be ready to give an example.

Do you have any comments you would like to make about you're application that you havenot yet been given the opportunity to tell us about?

How do you work with a group, and by yourself? Which do you prefer?

Why do you want to go to college?

Need to Know Information

If you are accepted in the AVID program, you need to be aware of and agree to the following:

As an AVID student you will:

Learn to take Cornell notes in your classes

Participate in volunteer efforts/community service

Follow a rigorous college prep curriculum

Learn to keep a daily planner and organized school binder

Learn about the process of getting accepted to a college/university

Be a role model on campus as well as be a representative of Independence High and the AVID program within our community

Be graded on weekly binder checks

Go on field trips throughout the year

Be willing to actively participate in fundraising efforts for field trips and t-shirts

Listen to a variety of guest speakers from our community

Be tutored by peer students twice a week

Be willing to take at least one AP or honors class before you graduate

The Kern High School District (KHSD) is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. KHSD prohibits discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical information, national origin, physical or mental disability, parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual orientation, Military Veterans status, homelessness, foster status, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws consistent with Education Code 200 and 220, Government Code 11135, and Title IX.

If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying you should contact your school site principal and/or the District's Chief Equity Compliance and Title IX Officer, Dr. Dean McGee, 5801 Sundale Avenue, (661) 827-3149, dmcgee@kernhigh.org. A copy of KHSD's Uniform Complaint policy and Nondiscrimination policy are available at www.kernhigh.org and upon request.